Illini Set For Attack From Air

October 13, 1989|By Robert Markus, Chicago Tribune.

CHAMPAIGN — One of the reasons Jeff George left Purdue was that new coach Fred Akers had a reputation for stressing the running game.

If the Illinois quarterback pays any attention to the game while the defense is on the field Saturday, he may be in for a surprise. It`s more than likely that the Purdue quarterback, whoever he might be, will throw the ball more often than George will.

The Boilermakers have gone to the run-and-shoot offense, throwing the ball on almost every down. ``They have not run the ball much,`` observes Illinois coach John Mackovic, ``because all the receivers are in there.``

Actually, it`s quite the opposite. All the receivers are in there because Purdue can`t run the ball. They`ve averaged only 76 yards a game as a team on the ground. Tailback Tony Vinson has carried the ball only 22 times in four games, but he has picked up more yardage catching the ball (126) than running with it (49).

``We decided to go to a combination I-(formation) and run-and-shoot because of our personnel,`` says Akers. ``I think it`s best for us. It`s hard to stop. We`ve had opportunities in every ball game that we haven`t taken advantage of, either by not recognizing it or by not hitting them or dropping them.``

Mackovic, whose Illini (3-1, 1-0) could be looking ahead to next week`s game at Michigan State, expresses concern about the potentially volatile offense because ``it`s an offense that none of us in the Big 10 see very much. There are a couple of things you have to be concerned about. One, you have to be able to tackle the fullback when he runs the ball. If their one remaining back can make yards, it forces your defense to close down.

Two, you have to contain the quarterback. They`re most dangerous when he gets outside the contain coverage.``

Akers was being coy about his quarterback starter this week, but it seems likely that Jeff Lesniewicz will get his first collegiate start. The Homewood- Flossmoor product was 13 of 19 for 191 yards after relieving starter Steve Letnich last week against Minnesota.

But he also threw three interceptions and in Illinois will be going against the No. 7 pass defense in the country. The Illini have intercepted seven passes in four games and allowed only one touchdown through the air.

Whoever starts for Purdue also will be without the Boilermakers` best receiver, Calvin Williams, who was injured in the Minnesota game.

Purdue`s defense is in even worse shape, with both starting cornerbacks out, along with linebacker Jim Schwantz. Considering that Purdue plays man-for-man defense, the loss of corners Derrick Kelson and Steve Jackson could be fatal against a passing team like Illinois.

``Very few teams in the NFL play that much man-to-man defense,`` observed Mackovic. ``You`d like to see that if you thought you had definite mismatches, but they play a very sticky man defense.``